Art by Mary Fogarty

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- The Ocean County Library Waretown Branch is pleased to present the works of Jersey Shore-based artist Mary Fogarty, "Subject to the Viewer's Imagination," throughout the months of January and February. The mixed media display marks Mary's return to her lifelong creative passion, after raising a family and working in the nine-to-five world.

“My love of art began at an early age,” Mary said. “I believe I was 3 or 4 when my scribbles became recognizable drawings. I even drew on the wall, much to my mother’s chagrin!”

Mary added that her father, Paul Fogarty, and sister, Nancy Fogarty Duryea, were her artistic role models. Her middle-school project depicting King Kong climbing a skyscraper, composed of wood strips, yarn and papier-mâché, received an “A” and signaled a burgeoning serious artist.

At the University of Maryland, Mary fell under the spell of ancient Greek and Roman architecture, sculptures such as Michelangelo’s David and the paintings of Rembrandt. Returning home, Mary continued sketching and learned pottery while also working in the Ocean County Board of Social Services and rekindling her art affinity at Ocean County College.

“I learned things like perspective, mixing oil paint for the desired color, and how to stretch a canvas,” Mary said. Then she shelved her aspirations to marry and raise two sons, developing her abilities in crochet and embroidery.

“Now I am retired, children are grown and I once again can focus on my love of art,” Mary concluded, adding that she is using various websites to broaden exposure of her works.

“Subject to the Viewer’s Imagination” is free and open to the public during normal Branch operating hours. No registration is required. For more information, stop by the OCL Waretown Branch, 112 Main Street, or call (609) 693-5133. See the full schedule of Library programs in the online Calendar of Events.

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